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The best camping in Maryland

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From Atlantic beaches to Appalachian Mountains, Chesapeake fishing villages to sprawling state parks―Maryland serves up plenty of variety, and campers won’t have to search far to find a campground, cabin, or glampsite. Whether you’re vacationing along the Chesapeake Bay, hiking and backcountry camping in the northern mountains, or driving your RV along Scenic Byways, there’s an adventure to suit all tastes. Summer is the busiest time to visit, when crowds hit the beach resorts along the Atlantic coast, but the mild temperatures of spring and fall are ideal for camping and outdoor activities. Winters are cold and snowy, so opt for a cozy cabin rental instead.  

95% (5.6K) 4,125 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Maryland

Strawberry Crossroads

1. Strawberry Crossroads

98%
(453)
Pittsville, MD · 54 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private retreat while still having access to hot showers and flushable toilets. . Stocked Catch and Release Fishing Lake. Volleyball, Basketball Court, and Wooded Trail. Primitive camp sites, Rv electrical hookups, to mini cabins there is a level to accommodate. All while only being 20 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean City MD, and Assateague Island. Have a day at the beach then relax by a fire while nature sings you to sleep.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Taylors Landing Camping Club

2. Taylors Landing Camping Club

99%
(593)
Sharpsburg, MD · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Mid-June update: Firefly season is here and it looks to be another good year, although we havent seen biblical numbers like the past years yet. Soon? Under next week's full moon?? The river is at about 85% peak summer quality this week. Very warm and ready for lounging, floating or kayaking. A few details about our sites in the general camping area: Sites 1, 3, 8,9,10,11 have 13x20 shade sails, 2,4,5,6,7 have 10x13 shade sails that are also weatherproof. For larger groups, I recommend any of the sites with the larger shade sails as they have a bit more space than the others. Enjoy the nearly direct access to the CO Canal Historic Park and the kid friendly, serene stretch of the Potomac River we border. Choose from 11 similar sites available for your camping pleasure in our clover filled bottomland as well as our Hilltop sites for maximum privacy, exclusivity and star gazing potential. The surrounding old growth forest makes for a great hiking and biking as well as a very accessible and kid friendly cave to explore. All sites now have either 10x13 or 13x20 shade sails available to keep the afternoon sun at bay: recommended. We have two kayaks on site free of charge. We have some life vests, but if you have your own, bring those along. The river's main beach located between sites 7 and 8, is shaded/filtered sun all day long while our smaller beach at site 1 is sunny most of the day and affords some of the nicest river lounging via a rock ledge that spans 4wd or All Wheel Drive are recommended. If it's been relatively dry, single wheel cars are 100% fine. We have ways to mitigate most weather events. Please pre-order firewood and/or shade sails via a message to me when booking your stay and save the 18% "booking fee" or add them via the "extras" section for your site so I can have it waiting for you. $40 buys you a long night's ++ burn worth of well-seasoned hardwood. Cash venmo paypal zelle all accepted upon arrival. If ordering firewood using the "extra" feature, 1 load is $20.00 which is a 1/2 nights supply. Order 2 if you want a full night/morning supply. I will credit unused wood with a nominal restocking fee.
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Grove Point Stables

3. Grove Point Stables

99%
(69)
Earleville, MD · 2 sites
Grove Point is a unique 178 Acre Waterfront Equestrian Facility, located in beautiful Earleville, MD between the Chesapeake Bay and the Sassafras River. We offer Primitive Camping for both People and Horses. We are family run business speciallizing in Gypsy Vanner Horses, Equestrian Camping and trail riding. All trail rides must be booked in advance through our business at Grove Point Stables. You can check out our website for more details. There are 2 stocked ponds on the farm or you can fish the open waters with a MD fishing license, it is BYO tackle.
Pets
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Toilets
Assateague Island National Seashore

4. Assateague Island National Seashore

100%
(104)
National park in Maryland · 115 sites
Beach campers, outdoor adventurers, and wild horses all love this Atlantic island.
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Catoctin Mountain Park

5. Catoctin Mountain Park

100%
(23)
National park in Maryland · 84 sites
Get a close-up view of the history of the Old Line State on this park's well-maintained trails.
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Campfires
Adventure Time Glamping

6. Adventure Time Glamping

Middletown, MD · 1 site
Tucked into a quiet wooded meadow surrounded by a 200-acre horse farm, sitting beside the pristine Catoctin Creek, this primitive camp site offers a peaceful back-to-nature stay with just enough comfort to make camping feel special. Adventure Time tent sits in a grassy clearing surrounded by mature trees, natural shade, and the sound of running water nearby. This is a primitive, no-electricity, no wi-fi camping experience designed for decompression in quiet, private, fresh air, and a beautiful natural setting rather than a resort-style stay. Food storage and smoking are prohibited in and around the tent. The site includes a cozy 16' fire-retardant, waterproof canvas bell tent furnished with a queen bed, rug, small seating/table area, shoe and blanket storage, battery and solar lanterns, and simple comfort touches. The tent sits on a raised wooden platform with two steps. Outside, guests can relax around the fire ring, sit in zero-gravity chairs, nap in the hammock, or picnic down by the creek to enjoy the water, rocks, and wooded views. A rustic iron bridge crosses the creek to discover a wooded meadow of interlacing walking trails. Rental includes access to the air-conditioned game room pavilion with a refrigerator/freezer, outdoor grilling/washing area, picnic area, potable water, and electricity. A clean and maintained port-a-potty restroom is located within walking distance between the campsite and the pavilion. Vehicle access to the site is limited to loading and unloading. Guests will park near the pavilion area and walk into the tent site once unloaded. A wagon will be provided for carrying gear back and forth.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Maryland Health Society

7. Maryland Health Society

99%
(37)
Davidsonville, MD · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are the Maryland Health Society, one of the oldest clothing optional resorts and campgrounds in the USA.  Established in 1934, we are 100% not-for-profit and 100% volunteer run.  We have 98 secluded acres of wooded beauty, including cabins, RV sites with 50amp service, tent sites, swimming pool, clubhouse with kitchen and full restrooms, BBQ pit, 5 outdoor showers, 7 miles of hiking trails.  Bordering the Patuxent River, we are 10 minutes from Washington, DC. We host many large fundraising events every year. We are in a rustic setting and our offer total acceptance. We are a 100% AANR Club.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Riverside Farm by the Monocacy

8. Riverside Farm by the Monocacy

97%
(303)
Walkersville, MD · 4 sites
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING... 30 acres of mostly reclaimed farmland. We are located where Glade Creek flows into the Monocacy River. There is evidence of civil war activity here and the old river ford is on our property. Creek and river access make this a beautiful, peaceful place that is full of life. The energy here is overwhelmingly positive. Our house was built in the 1850s and the neighboring farm was built shortly after—lots of history on this property. You will be able to camp right next to Glade Creek which is always cool, clean, and refreshing. Our goal with opening the land up for camping is to eventually phase out commercial farming on the property and transform it into woodlands using native plants and trees. We've already started by planting hundreds of native tree species along the creek and river banks. Each camper gets us closer to that goal! Thanks for your support! See our map in the gallery for a complete overview of our property including site locations. Please note that you will need to drive back through the crossing to access the portable toilet. Property occasionally floods. Zero flash floods, just slow river overflow. Check this site for flooding info. https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=fdkm2 Flood stage is 15 feet. We HIGHLY recommend a vehicle with AWD or at least a decent ground clearance.
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Fiddlers Green Farm

9. Fiddlers Green Farm

100%
(509)
Taneytown, MD · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
When you come here you are experiencing the rebirth of farming in this country while getting to connect with the natural world. This historic piece of preserved farmland has been in our family for 5 generations. The property is just over 100 acres with about half in forest conservation. We have two streams that join one another and create an amazing habitat for all kinds of wildlife. Our farm has always been a fun and healing place for our friends and family to gather. We love sharing the peaceful seclusion here with folks who enjoy and respect nature. We are a certified organic farm in the early stages of transforming it into a fully regenerative, permaculture operation. We grow hemp, medicinal herbs, and small grains as well as keep bees and a small tribe of goats. We'd love to have you!
Pets
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Campfires
Elk Neck State Park

10. Elk Neck State Park

100%
(15)
State park in Maryland · 254 sites
Blend history, hiking, fishing, and boating into one convenient vacation getaway.
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Greenbrier State Park

11. Greenbrier State Park

100%
(8)
State park in Maryland · 151 sites
Forest hikes, lake cruises, and beachside fun await at this Appalachian Mountain retreat.
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Campfires
Janes Island State Park

12. Janes Island State Park

100%
(6)
State park in Maryland · 110 sites
When you need a waterside retreat to refresh that worn out soul of yours, Janes Island State Park is a must. Find yourself immersed in the unique and picturesque beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, with forested woodlands providing just the right accent. There are even rustic waterfront cabins that provide just a touch of quaint charm.The island portion of the park boasts 2,900 acres of saltmarsh, with 30 epic miles of water trails to explore. Take your kayak or canoe and go find your own isolated beach to lounge on for the whole day. Sounds pretty damn good, right? The stunning sunsets here can’t be beat, with wild colors scattered across the glassy waters. Like we said, perfect waterside retreat to paired with camp vibes, can't be beat right?
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Campfires
Pocomoke River State Park

13. Pocomoke River State Park

100%
(6)
State park in Maryland · 207 sites
With 15,000 wooded acres, Pocomoke River State Park’s claim to fame is its stand of loblolly pine and cypress swamps bordering a wild and scenic river. It’s divided into two parts, Shad Landing (south side) and Milburn Landing (north side), which are about a 25 minute drive apart. The combination of ecosystems means the park is home to a plethora of plant and animal life including white dogwood and pink laurel trees, river otters, bald eagles and over 50 species of fish.There is no shortage of traditional camping activities, but the park also boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool in case you decide “I can’t take this no more," and make like Squints from the Sandlot. The park's name may mean black water, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your baby down to Pocomoke where you can get there fast and then take it slow.
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Creekside Orchard

14. Creekside Orchard

99%
(397)
Street, MD · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to creek-side camping on our picturesque 16 acre farm! Here are a few ground rules to help with your stay -PLEASE READ SO NONE OF THIS IS A SURPRISE-: -Dogs are permitted if they are friendly and are trained well enough to listen and stay at your site. Again, they must stay at your site unless walking with you on a leash. If your dog inflicts damage to the sites (digging holes, chewing up piles of sticks, chewing up toys to bits etc. please clean up after your dogs. We will provide shovels, rakes if you need!) - OVERLANDERS: You can bring your overland camper if you want, but you must park your vehicle in the parking spot across from your site at sites 1-3. It is a safety issue to block the entryway/exit lane. Site 4 is large enough to accommodate your vehicle and these rules do not apply there. -This is a place for relaxation and reflection by the creek. No loud groups, or partying allowed. If your neighbor can hear your music it is too loud. If your host can hear it, you will be asked to turn it down or off all together. -This is a pack it in, pack it out site. This includes food waste, dog waste, and any garbage produced. Please respect that :) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BURN ANY WASTE IN THE FIRE RING BEFORE CHECKING OUT. DO NOT THROW FOOD SCRAPS IN THE CREEK! -There is NO FISHING, kayaking or boating. Go for a swim and float, no prob! But please float in the vicinity of your camp, so as not to disturb other campers. - Please do not invite visitors to your campsite. This is an insurance issue, no exceptions. If you want friends and family to experience our beautiful spot, please have them sign up and book a site, wouldn't that be more fun anyway!? People coming to our land who are not booked at a site will immediately be shown off the property. -Due to virtually every booking asking for earlier arrival and later departure times, we are strictly adhering to the posted check in and check out times. You can enjoy the following on our sites: - Free, unlimited wood for your campfires. Each site comes with a fire ring. - Seating arrangements (picnic table, wrought iron loungers and chairs and wood benches). - Charming outhouse situated over a septic certified holding tank with toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
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Campfires
HUNTER'S PARK BY WASHINGTON, DC

15. HUNTER'S PARK BY WASHINGTON, DC

99%
(304)
Damascus, MD · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
THE CAMPGROUND IS REGISTERED WITH MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHORT TERM RENTALS LICENSE # STR25-00075. The campground is situated in the wooded area on the back of 27 acre horse farm which is known as "The Stables at Mezza Luna." There is Wi-Fi to all the sites. Every year in the spring there are 4-6 Thoroughbred foals born that eventually will become racehorses. They live on the farm until they are 2 years old and then they go off to begin their racing career. In the daytime, when you are not sitting around your campfire, you can walk the fence lines and visit with the Mares and Foals or just watch them frolic in the fields.. Who knows, you might get to meet a future Kentucky Derby winner. Nearby attractions include: BLACK HILLS REGIONAL PARK (15 minutes) for boating, hiking or biking Vineyard 61 (5 minutes) Stone Silo Brewery (5 Minutes) Leechwood Haunted Forest (5 Minutes) October weekends only There are also chickens, roosters and peacocks that are very happy to receive any type of treat such as raisins. Kids can even go in the chicken coop and pick out their very own egg they can cook for their breakfast. For the energetic campers and kids there are also lots of trails that you can walk or hike on and there is a small stream the kids can play in. There also is a playground with swings, monkey bars, seesaw and trampoline. There is a dumpster in front of the barn for you to place your trash. Please drop off during your stay or on your way out of the property. Don't miss out out on this hidden gem just minutes from our nation's capital.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Maple Grove Farm

16. Maple Grove Farm

97%
(309)
Fallston, MD · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Maple Grove farm is a twenty acre preserved livestock and hay farm in Harford County Maryland. It is home to sheep, alpaca, an old horse, chickens , dogs, and a cat or two. The world headquarters for Remsberg Inc Photo Studios is in the older farmhouse on the property and we lead photo safaris and workshops in Africa and England through the year. Our crack team of Border Collies are here to assist you with all your outdoor activity needs from frisbee tossing to ball throwing. Gather around the fire under the stars and listen to the sounds of sheep doing whatever it is sheep do with one of our loaner dogs at your feet and horses grazing in the sunset on the hill. We are only three miles from W42 (Fallston Airport) if you are flying in. Nearby there are hiking trails and a swimming hole at Gunpowder Falls State Park one mile away. Boordy Vinyards down the road has a farmers market Thursdays and wine tastings other days or get homemade ice cream at Prigel Creamery just past it. Take your canoe up to Eden Mill or Bike on the Ma & Pa and NCR trails nearby.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Greenock Farm

17. Greenock Farm

100%
(168)
Lothian, MD · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Please read entire description and most importantly, there are no toilet facilities, so please pack it out, dig a hole or bring your own head if you're not self-contained. No presents for me or other campers, thank you. 45-acre Historic farm, several sites to choose from depending on adventure wanderlust (including a 4WD drive site). Located on private gravel lane, approximately 1/2 mile off county road. Either corn or soybeans with a woods backdrop. Secluded and private, yet 25 minutes to downtown Annapolis, 10 minutes to the Bay, great for cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking all 10/15 minutes from farm. DC 45 minutes, Baltimore 1 hour. Jug Bay wetlands, wineries, fun little waterfront towns and Bay front restaurants all within easy reach. Check out individual sites for description, each has its own personality. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. First listing actually has several options. For large campers/coach/fifth wheelers the area by the tractor shed will be the best. Around the corner there's two other choices both with firepits which will accommodate units up to 40 feet depending on your backing/maneuvering skills. Field of Dreams and Sycamore Ridge will accommodate campers under 25 feet with some backing/maneuvering skills. For those with 4WD and an off-road camper/trailer/tent choose Off the Grid, two entrances for easy access, travel along a logging road to an open site with fire pit. Suitable during dry conditions and not responsible for damage to vehicle or camper. Great spot for those who truly want to be in the woods off the beaten path, site takes about 5 minutes to reach due to low-speed access.
Pets
Campfires
Camp Comus, LLC

18. Camp Comus, LLC

92%
(60)
Barnesville, MD · 25 sites · Tents, RVs
We’re a family-owned campground open to anyone seeking a seasonal or temporary camping spot. Whether you’re looking for your next camping destination or a place to work remotely, we have a place for you. Our goal is to provide families with a peaceful and safe travel destination. We’re open year-round, even in winter! Our spacious sites and welcoming crew make it a great place to stay. RV parking is available at the barn, and there’s plenty of space for small to large groups to pitch tents on the lawn. All pets, including equines, are welcome. 4-stall barn, 5 pastures with self-waterers and run-ins, and miles of well-maintained trails perfect for ATVs, trail biking, horseback riding, and forest bathing. Spectacular sunsets behind the house offer panoramic views of Sugarloaf Mountain. The night skies are usually clear, making it ideal for stargazing. A 3-person salt-water hot tub is available, contingent on availability. $50/hr. and requires a shower before entering. Spa robes, towels, and slippers are provided, depending on availability. 2 e-bikes and 1 mountain bike, all of which are contingent upon availability. A signed waiver is required. Minimum age is 16 years old or at the discretion of the host. They cost $25/hr. per person. Experienced horse riders can book horse rides for $50/hr. per person. Inexperienced riders must be led using a lead rope. Signed waivers and provided helmets are required. Our in-ground, unheated swimming pool is open mid-April to end October. $60/hr. Please place any donations in the marked box in the barn. Our perennially hungry rescues appreciate it! Payments for rentals, extra nights, and farm market purchases like eggs, flowers, organic produce, dried lavender, etc., can be made here, or via Venmo, Zelle, or QR codes in the tack room at the barn.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Locust Post Brewery Camp

19. Locust Post Brewery Camp

99%
(333)
Little Orleans, MD · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We have about 3 acres available to set up your, tent, camper van or small pop-up camper, there are many more acres to explore. Beautiful mountain views, close to Green Ridge Forest. We also have a brewery with craft beer brewed on site, Maryland wines and spirits. We have a small kitchen with pizza, soft pretzels and beer cheese and the like.
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Mulehalla

20. Mulehalla

97%
(430)
Williamsport, MD · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
USE ADDRESS TO FIND PROPERTY; DO NOT USE A GPS PIN Right off the CnO canal, Mulehalla offers primitive sites with seasonal restrooms and showers available (cold shower only). 1/10 of a mile walk to the Canal, 9-hole basic disc golf, firewood for sale.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Maryland camping guide

Where to go

Western Maryland

Misty mountain peaks, dense forests, and sparkling lakes await in Western Maryland, which stretches from Hagerstown to Deep Creek Lake. Follow the Mountain Maryland scenic byway through the Allegheny Mountains, rent a canal boat along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, or go whitewater rafting in Swallow Falls State Park. Seasonal highlights include the fall foliage hikes around Oakland, summer swimming and boating on Deep Creek Lake, and hitting the ski slopes in McHenry.

Central Maryland

Sitting pretty between Appalachian peaks and Chesapeake Bay shores, Maryland’s capital region has outdoor escapes within easy reach of both Baltimore and Washington D.C. Take your RV on a drive through history along the Historic National Road, running all the way from Baltimore into the western mountains; hike a 40-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail; or enjoy wine tasting along the Piedmont Wine Trail. Camping favorites include the Cunningham Falls and Susquehanna state parks.

South Maryland

Picturesque coastal towns, Civil War sites, and golf courses pepper the western shore of Chesapeake Bay, where you can enjoy fishing, birding, and oyster tasting to your heart’s content. Snag a riverside campsite along the Potomac River, enjoy beachside walks in the Point Lookout State Park, or hunt for fossils in the Calvert Cliffs State Park.

Eastern Shore

Vacationers flock to Ocean City, where there are enough sandy beaches, golf courses, and boardwalk amusements to keep you busy all summer long. Nearby, there are beachside campgrounds and herds of wild horses to admire at Assateague Island National Seashore, or you can head over to the Chesapeake Bay shore to paddle around the marshes, enjoy birdwatching in the Blackwater National Wildlife, or rent a rustic cabin at Janes Island State Park. 

Frequently Asked Questions

To reserve a campsite at Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland, you can use the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' online reservation system. Visit the Maryland State Parks Reservation website, search for "Rocky Gap State Park," and follow the prompts to select your desired campsite and dates. You can also call the reservation line at 1-888-432-2267 for assistance with your booking.

In Maryland, there are limited options for free camping. One option is the Green Ridge State Forest, which offers dispersed camping in designated areas with no amenities. Be sure to check the regulations and obtain any necessary permits before camping in these areas.

To reserve a campground in Maryland State Parks, you can use the online reservation system provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Visit their website at https://reservations.dnr.state.md.us/ and follow the steps to search for available campgrounds, select your desired dates, and complete the reservation process. You can also call the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267 for assistance with booking a campsite.

For more information on Maryland State Parks and campgrounds, you can visit Hipcamp.

No, you cannot camp anywhere in Maryland. Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds and state parks, as well as some private lands where you can find professional campgrounds and RV parks. You can explore various camping options in Maryland, including tent camping, RV camping, and glamping, by visiting Hipcamp. No matter where you camp, it's essential to follow the rules and regulations for each specific campground or park, as they may vary. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment and other campers.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field